Jayshree's 3,000km ride for charity
It takes a steady hand to drive in India where roadside warning signs include sobering advice, such as ‘Do not be rash and end in a crash’ and ‘Better Mr Late than Late Mr.’
Hospital manager Jayshree Shah will be putting her nerves to the test as part of a convoy of 36 auto rickshaws or Tuk Tuks which will travelling 3,000km across the subcontinent in aid of charity this December.
“I’ve never been behind the wheel of a rickshaw or driven on Indian roads,’ says Jayshree who will be joined by 107 volunteers making the 3,000km journey from the southernmost point of India to Gujarat in the north of the country.
She will share driving duties with her brother and sister-in-law during the 12-day journey with the convoy staying in ashrams and hostels each night and supported by their own crew of cooks and mechanics.
The journey will end in Bhuj, Gujarat, where the team’s fundraising efforts are focused on raising money to build a teacher training centre to support a school the charity, Shishukunj, has already built for underprivileged children.
“There will be a fair share of sore bums but it is all for a good cause,” says Jayshree who will be taking a crash course in riding the ‘twist and go’ Tuk Tuks which have a top speed of 40kph and promise a bone-shaking ride.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge. It will make a nice change from sitting behind a desk,” added Jayshree who works for vascular services at Northwick Park Hospital. Her previous fundraising activities include completing four marathons and trekking in the Himalaya.
If you would like to support Jayshree, visit Kavi, Harsha, Jayshree Shah is fundraising for Shishukunj .